More extension for Waiheke’s gifted learners

Schools on Waiheke Island in the Hauraki Gulf have banded together to extend provision for their gifted learners.

The schools, Waiheke Primary, Te Huruhi School and Waiheke High School, will group their gifted students together for part of each week so they can share opportunities for extension.

In doing so, they have become the fourth cluster under the umbrella of the New Zealand Centre for Gifted Education (NZCGE). The clusters also provide professional learning opportunities for teachers and parents.

“We see this as is a very positive step for education on Waiheke Island,” says Kay Moy-Low, principal of Waiheke Primary.

Adam Cels, principal of Te Huruhi School adds, “NZCGE’s MindPlus programme will bring together like-minded students and allow them to challenge and support each other as they continue their learning journey and certainly our three schools on Waiheke Island are pleased to be able to offer an educational opportunity to further enhance and support students with specific learning needs.”

The Waiheke centre joins other locally-funded centres in Invercargill, Dunedin, Mid-Canterbury, Lincoln, Masterton and Taranaki, which have been established with the support of the New Zealand Centre for Gifted Education. NZCGE will provide essential support with student selection, professional learning and development, and curriculum resourcing and support for the Waiheke Centre, on an ongoing basis.

“This reflects part of NZCGE’s goals to help communities support their young gifted New Zealanders’ maximise their potential through access, recognition and support. We are keen to work with more communities in this way,” says NZCGE spokesperson Deb Walker.